Latest News
- Bear swipes at man on Richard Juryn trail in North Vancouver
- Former Stars and Stripes editor expresses concern over paper’s independence following dismissal
- Italian restaurant faces backlash over offensive receipt after customer complaint
- Saudi Arabia to invest âŹ6 billion in Paris theme parks project
- Supreme Court pauses ruling on Trump mail voting order amid legal hurdles
- US public support for war on Iran declines amid Trumpâs record low approval
- Doug Ford criticises Donald Trump, calling him a dictator and loser
- Trump to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian auto and steel imports from 2027
đşđ¸ USA Brief | Top Stories so far …
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đ§ Texas floods toll rises â Tragically, at least 82 people have died following flash floods in central Texas, including 27 summer-camp children. Rescue teams continue their search amid questions over emergency preparedness.
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đ Trumpâs tariff plans cause market jitters â As the JulyâŻ9 deadline looms, President Trump has signalled new tariffs with letters set to hit trade partners soonâeven as the Commerce Secretary clarifies they donât take effect until August 1. Markets remain unsettled.
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đď¸ Trump signs âbig, beautifulâ budget bill â Congress has green-lit Trump’s major tax and spending package. While critics warn it inflates the deficit, the White House labels it a political feather in his cap.
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đ˘ď¸ EPA climate funding slashed â The Guardian reports the Trump administration has cancelled overâŻUSâŻ$2.7âŻbillion in climate grants, including a crucial $20âŻmillion project in an Alaska village threatened by flood-driven erosion.
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đ§ Farm-worker activist detained â ICE has arrested Alfredo âLeloâ Juarez Zeferino, a prominent farm-worker organiser in Washington state, in what’s being called a politically motivated action amid a broader crackdown.Â
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đď¸ Musk launches âAmerica Partyâ â Elon Musk has officially filed to form the America Party, positioning it as a fiscally conservative alternative targeting key congressional seats. Former ally Donald Trump has slammed the move as âridiculous,â and markets are nervously watching whether this marks a permanent political departure for the billionaire.
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đ Tesla shares dive â Following Muskâs political announcement, Tesla stock dropped almost 7% in pre-market trading, erasing about $70âŻbillion in market value as investors worry the CEOâs focus is being diverted.
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â˝ USMNT lose Gold Cup final â The United States Menâs National Team were edged out 2â1 by Mexico in Houston, with Edson Ălvarez scoring the winner, a tough defeat and key learning curve for coach Mauricio Pochettinoâs squad.
đ Key Cultural & Business Events – This Week
WWE Evolution â 13 July, Atlanta, GA
American Control Conference â 8â10 July, Denver
AEW All In â 12 July, Arlington, TX
âď¸ Thought of the day
Try to smile more today – even when alone. It lifts your mood and those around you.
đź Flower of the Week
Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare)
More than just a kitchen herb, wild marjoram bursts into purple-pink flowers in summer and is a magnet for butterflies and bees.
đŚ Bird of the Week
Green Woodpecker
With its laughing call and bright green plumage, this shy bird loves to feast on ants â often seen hopping on lawns rather than pecking trees.
Trump imposes 35% tariffs on Canadian imports, escalating trade tensions
PresidentâŻDonald Trump has confirmed a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, set to take effect on 1 August, citing Canadaâs failure to curb fentanyl smuggling and persistent trade imbalances. This represents an increase from the 25% tariffs earlier introduced on autos, steel and aluminium. Trump has warned of further tariff hikes if Canada retaliates, and hinted at broader increases on all US trading partners.
Canadaâs Prime MinisterâŻMark Carney pledged to defend Canadian workers and continue negotiations, while exploring financial support for domestic aluminium producers. The move threatens longâstanding trade cooperation under USMCA, with a legal appeal to Trump’s tariff powers due in court on 31 July.
Reactions:
- President Trump (Truth Social): âCanada must help on fentanyl or face higher tariffs, and those made in the US wonât be hit.â
- Mark Carney: âWe will defend Canadian jobs and keep negotiating.â
- Financial analyst (via Reuters): > âThese tariffs disrupt North American supply chains and may lead to retaliatory measures.â
Media Bias & Framing:
- Guardian/AP/Reuters/Euronews emphasise the sharp tariff rise, the fentanyl justification, and legal uncertainty over Trumpâs authority.
- Financial Times/Wall Street Journal focus on tradeâwar escalation, USMCA risks, and market jitters (evidenced by the falling pound and rising gold and mining stocks).
- Economist voices and Canadian media portray Washingtonâs action as aggressive âbullyingâ, spurring a Canadian consumer boycott and surging nationalism.
Sentiment: Neutralânegative.Â
31 construction workers rescued after partial tunnel collapse in Los Angeles
During construction on a subterranean industrial tunnel in Wilmington, Los Angeles, a section collapsed roughly 400 feet underground, trapping 31 workers approximately 5â6 miles from the sole entrance. They navigated over a 12â15 ft mound of loose soil to safety, and were lifted out via crane-mounted cage by around 10âŻpm. Despite the severity of the incident, no serious injuries were reported. Emergency teams, over 100 personnel, responded swiftly; the project will remain paused pending a safety investigation. Residents and officials, including MayorâŻKarenâŻBass, praised both workersâ composure and first respondersâ rapid action.
Reactions:
- Mayor KarenâŻBass (X): âThank goodnessâit could have been a tragedy. L.A.âs heroes acted fast.â
- Councilmember TimâŻMcOsker: âTheir calm under pressure illustrates professional training in action.â
- LAFD Interim Chief Ronnie Villanueva: > âTonight, we were luckyâ – highlighting the swift outcome of a highârisk rescue.
Media Bias & Framing:
- AP/Reuters/CNN provide factual, measured reporting – detailing the collapse, rescue logistics, and lack of serious injuries without dramatisationâŻ.
- People/Business Insider emphasise the human elementâworkersâ bravery, municipal teamwork, and the scale of the submerged safety operationâŻ(People).
- The Sun/NY Post focus on dramatic rescue imagery, technical specifics, and comparisons with past tunnel disasters, underscoring disaster avoidanceâŻ(The Sun).
đ Sentiment: Neutralâpositive. A potential catastrophe was averted, showcasing effective crisis response and worker resilience. Investigations into structural safety and project oversight will be essential before tunnelling resumes.
Tesla stock dives amid Muskâs America Party announcement and worsening feud with Trump
Tesla shares plunged around 7âŻper cent in pre-market trading after Elon Musk announced the launch of a new U.S. political party, dubbed the âAmerica Partyâ, and reignited a public feud with former President Donald Trump. This follows Trumpâs criticism of Muskâs move and the recent passage of his âOne Big Beautiful Billâ, which eliminates a $7,500 EV tax credit and reduces Teslaâs creditâsales revenue. A downgrade by analysts at WilliamâŻBlair, citing weakened profitability, and investor backlash over Muskâs political distraction during a critical phase for AI and autonomous vehicle projects, intensified the stock sell-off. Tesla shares remain down about 21âŻper cent yearâtoâdate despite earlier rebounds. Analyst Dan Ives (Wedbush) urges Musk to refocus on business, warning that escalating tensions with Trump could create regulatory and financial headwinds.
đ Reactions:
- Donald Trump: âItâs ridiculous – third parties never work. Musk has gone âoff the rails.ââÂ
- Dan Ives (Wedbush): âInvestors want him focused on Teslaâs AI future, not politics.â
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: > âBoards will want Musk focusing on his companies, not political ventures.â (marketwatch.com)
đ° Media Bias & Framing:
- MarketWatch/Bloomberg/CNN note the sharp drop and attribute it to Muskâs political pivot and tax-credit loss.
- Reuters/Wall Street Journal highlight the tension between Muskâs political ambitions and investor expectations during a transformative phase for Teslaâs AI and robotaxi plans.
- Financial Times contextualises within broader U.S. political volatility, Muskâs feud with Trump, the third-party announcement, and investor uncertainty.
đ Sentiment: Negativeâneutral. The reaction reflects investor unease and mounting pressure. Though Teslaâs long-term AI and EV strategy still retains confidence, Muskâs political distraction is seen as a potential drag on momentum and stock value.
Texas flash floods kill dozens at summer camp as emergency efforts intensify
Devastating flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, have claimed at least 82 lives, including 27 campers and counsellors from Camp Mystic – a girls’ summer camp – and left more than 40 people missing as of Monday. The floodwaters surged about 26âŻft in 45âŻminutes, overwhelming cabins and triggering a search-and-rescue operation that has now shifted into recovery mode amid ongoing flash flood warnings. Authorities report over 800 rescues by first responders and volunteers, including Coast Guard helicopters.
Survivors and local residents have criticised the lack of early warning, citing the absence of sirens in the flood-prone region, with potential failures at the National Weather Service under scrutiny due to past staffing cuts. The camp’s owner, Dick Eastland, died during the crisis after reportedly attempting to save campers.
đ Reactions:
- President Trump (via announcement): âIâm declaring a major disaster for Kerr County and will visit.â
- Pope Leo XIV: > âWe pray for the victims and their familiesâ (theguardian.com)
- Camp Mystic nurse Devon Paige: > âWe sang hymns as we evacuated ⌠it kept us calm.â (people.com)
đ° Media Bias & Framing:
- The Guardian/AP/Reuters emphasise the human toll, rescue efforts, and questions over emergency preparedness (theguardian.com).
- People/NY Post provides emotional and personal angles-singing campers, celebrity solidarity, and family tragedies.
- Business Insider/WSJ include meteorological context, extraordinary rainfall volumes, alongside assessments of federal response and infrastructure resilience.
đ Sentiment: Negativeâneutral. The event is a horrific human tragedy exposing gaps in early-warning systems and flash flood responses. Rescue successes offer hope, yet ongoing uncertainty, scrutiny of preparedness, and further storm risks cast a long shadow.
Trump imposes steep tariffs on Brunei, Moldova, Libya and others, with Brazil hit hardest
President TrumpâŻhas issued new tariff letters, announcing duties effective 1 August on exports from seven smaller nations, Brunei (25%), Moldova (25%), the Philippines (20%), Algeria (30%), Iraq (30%), Libya (30%), and Sri Lanka (30%), despite their relatively small trade volumes with the U.S. Additionally, Brazil faces a 50% tariff, justified by Trump as retaliation for its legal treatment of former President Bolsonaro and digital regulations he deems hostile. These moves follow his earlier âLiberation Dayâ tariffs and a delayed 90âday implementation window.
While Trump insists these tariffs reflect âcommon senseâ and reciprocity, analysts criticise the approach as ad hoc and likely to raise U.S. import prices. With trade gaps largely with larger economies like China, Japan and South Korea, targeting small nations raises questions about coherence and global economic impact. The Fed is reportedly cautious, closely monitoring market reaction.
Implementation details:
⢠Tariffs start 1âŻAugust after a threeâweek extension.
⢠Letters set baseline and country-specific duties; rates may adjust depending on negotiations.
⢠Brazilâs 50% tariff stems from political tensions rather than trade deficits.
đ Reactions:
- Peopleâs Daily (China) labelled the tariffs âbullyingâ and warned of tough retaliation.
- Marco Rubio is touring Asia to calm allies worried the tariff push could undercut USâASEAN ties.
- Phil Luck (CSIS): > âItâs unclear how three more weeksâ delay changes that dynamic. It appears ad hoc.â
đ° Media Bias & Framing:
- Washington Post/Reuters/AP report the full rollout and timing, emphasising scale and evolving targets. (Time)
- Time/Politico perceive the strategy as unilateral and disruptive, noting market confusion and diplomatic ripple effects.
- WSJ/ET provide concise tariff breakdowns with early investor caution on inflation and supply chain risks.
đ Sentiment: Negativeâneutral. The tariff blitz signals Trumpâs aggressive trade posture, but its haphazard targeting of small economies raises worries over inflation, diplomatic strain and strategic coherence in U.S. trade policy.
Trump delays tariff implementation to 1 August amid global trade deal push
PresidentâŻTrump has postponed the roll-out of planned tariffs, originally scheduled by JulyâŻ9, to take effect on August 1 instead. He will send letters this week to around 100 countries, designating new tariff rates (a baseline of 10%, with potential hikes up to 50% and an additional 10% for BRICS-aligned nations). The delays aim to buy time as negotiations, especially with the EU, UK, India, Japan and Vietnam, enter their final stages. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said letters would be sent by 9âŻJuly, while Commerce Secretary HowardâŻLutnick confirmed implementation on 1 August.
đ Reactions:
- Donald Trump: âTariffs go in effect August 1 but letters/deals by July 9.â
- Scott Bessent: âProgress is good with the EU, UK and others – letters coming Monday.â (tbsnews.net)
- EU trade spokesperson: âTime is money – we want a deal by Wednesday.â
đ° Media Bias & Framing:
- The Guardian, Reuters and AP present the shift as a strategic pause to continue trade talks and clarify policy details. (theguardian.com)
- Politico/FT note leader frustration, especially in Europe, and frame it as a âmoveable feastâ causing global market jitter.
- The Daily Beast (insider report) casts the delay as partly performative, calling tariffs âmore stunt than substanceâ. (thedailybeast.com)
đ Sentiment: Neutralânegative. The delay offers breathing space for negotiations, but growing confusion over timing and tariff scope has unsettled markets and allies, raising concerns about unpredictability in U.S. trade policy.
A round up of what the Politicians have been doing.
*Denotes wanted for war crimes.
The prime minister welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron for a three-day state visit where the PM is set to push for a deal between the UK and France on the
Tracking Trump’s presidency Live:
Trump made an angry start to the week displaying his frustration at Israel.
On Tuesday he headed to NATO to secure billions of spending for
Israel’s Netanyahu is visiting the US, with a ceasefire in Gaza at the top of the agenda. Trump has also confirmed the US will be sending more weapons to Ukraine.
Tracking Trump’s presidency Live:
Trump made an angry start to the week displaying his frustration at Israel.
On Tuesday he headed to NATO to secure billions of spending for
- Syrian Leader
Tracking Trump’s presidency Live:
Trump made an angry start to the week displaying his frustration at Israel.
On Tuesday he headed to NATO to secure billions of spending for
On Monday, the European Commissioner was fighting for her political career as she appeared before MEPs ahead of her facing a no-confidence vote on Thursday.
Tracking Trump’s presidency Live:
Trump made an angry start to the week displaying his frustration at Israel.
On Tuesday he headed to NATO to secure billions of spending for
Tracking Trump’s presidency Live:
Trump made an angry start to the week displaying his frustration at Israel.
On Tuesday he headed to NATO to secure billions of spending for
Tracking Trump’s presidency Live:
Trump made an angry start to the week displaying his frustration at Israel.
On Tuesday he headed to NATO to secure billions of spending for
âď¸ Quote of the Week
Â
“History is a set of lies agreed upon.” â Napoleon Bonaparte
This weekâs news shows how narratives â whether political, digital, or economic â can be engineered, exposed, or reimagined. The truth, as ever, lies between the lines, but there is no doubt, that history belongs to the victor.
đľď¸ No, Macron did not hide cocaine on a train to Ukraine
A viral video claiming French President Emmanuel Macron was âcaught red-handedâ hiding a cocaine bag on a train to Ukraine has been thoroughly debunked by France 24âs fact-checking team. The footage, which showed Macron holding a white pouch before tucking it into his coat, was deceptively edited. The object was a known brand of French facial tissue.
The clip gained traction on platforms like X and TikTok, fuelled by conspiracy influencers. AI analysis of the video confirmed digital tampering.
This story reflects the increasing use of manipulated media to undermine political figures â particularly during periods of tension like Macronâs current Green rebellion.
Key takeaway: In an age of digital warfare, viral misinformation can move faster than diplomacy.
This weeks global cultural & business events provides a round up of the highlights key events taking place around the world. You don’t need a private jet to get around, some are virtual as well.
đ Global Cultural & Business Events This Week
- đŽđš La Biennale di Venezia â Venice
- đşđ¸ G7 Finance Ministers Summit â New York
- đşđł UN Digital Inclusion Forum â Geneva
- đŠđŞ Berlin Design Week – Berlin
- đşđ¸ SXSW EDU Europe â London
đď¸ Political events to keep your eyes on
- NATO: Turkey requests joint monitoring of PKK disbandment
- IMF: Revises 2025 global growth forecast to 3.2%
- UNESCO: Adds Gazaâs Old Port to watchlist of threatened heritage sites
- WHO: Issues early warning for rising dengue clusters in Asia
- World Bank: Launches climate adaptation bond for Sahel nations
FEATURED EVENT – International Summit – Tirana, Albania
Meeting of the European Political Community, 16 May 2025
The sixth meeting of the European Political Community will bring together leaders from across the continent in Tirana, Albania under the theme âNew Europe in a new world: unity â cooperation â joint actionâ.
The EU will be represented by the President of the European Council, António Costa, who will co-chair the meeting along with the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama.
đźď¸ Art/Culture Highlight â Kunsthaus Zurich: âSurveillance and the Selfâ
An exhibition tracing the history. A Future for the Past
The exhibition focuses on various – also contradictory – perspectives on the historical context in which the arms manufacturer and patron Emil G. BĂźhrle built up his collection: it highlights the biographies of former owners of individual works, whose sale took place under questionable circumstances, and the question of how a differentiated approach to history can succeed in the immediate present.
The BĂźhrle Collection: art, context, war and conflict.
âď¸ Thought of the day
Â
We’ve delveoped this need to move on to the ‘next thing’ standing in one place seems to make one anxious. That may be because of the way we are being engineered, the thirst for more. But the negative impact of that is, we rarely get to enjoy the moment.
When enjoying a meal, a walk in nature, or any other activity, pay attention to the details and fully experience it, just stand still (figuratively) and process what you have done, The next, more is not always better.
âWeâre not debating tax policy â weâre debating the soul of America.â
â Senator Elizabeth Warren, responding to Trumpâs new tax bill and its effect on working-class families.
Â
Iowa Becomes First US State to Strip Trans Civil Rights Protection
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Iowa has become the first U.S. state to strip gender identity from its civil rights code, meaning trans and nonâbinary people are no longer protected from discrimination in housing, employment, education or public spaces, and are now barred from changing gender markers on birth certificatesâthis comes into effect on 1âŻJulyâŻ2025 under Senate FileâŻ418, which also enshrines a strict binary definition of sex and removes Medicaid coverage for genderâaffirming care
Lots of sporting action is taking place across the USA this week, as American footballers prepare to return ahead of a new season. There’s the final of the Club World Cup to look forward to on Sunday. Superstar BeyoncĂŠ is on tour, and there are some big business events too!
USA Events Guide: 7â13 July 2025
đ Key Events Snapshot
- Major League Cricket â Ongoing (Finals: 14 July)
- WWE Evolution â 13 July, Atlanta, GA
- AEW All In â 12 July, Arlington, TX
- DigiMarCon East & TECHSPO â 7â8 July, New York
- American Control Conference â 8â10 July, Denver
- National Dental Association Convention â 10â13 July, Kansas City
đ Sports & Entertainment
Major League Cricket (MLC)
Americaâs flagship T20 cricket league is reaching its climax, with playoffs beginning this week and the final on 14 July. Featuring international stars, itâs a milestone in US cricket growth.
WWE Evolution â 13 July (Atlanta, GA)
WWEâs all-womenâs pay-per-view returns, hosted at the State Farm Arena. Expect headline bouts and global streaming via Peacock and Netflix.
AEW All In â 12 July (Arlington, TX)
Massive wrestling event at Globe Life Field featuring top AEW talent, fan expos, and global coverage.
Big 12 Football Media Days â 8â9 July (Frisco, TX)
Preseason gathering of coaches and players, with press conferences ahead of the 2025 college football season.
đ¤ Culture & Music
BeyoncĂŠâs Cowboy Carter Tour â Ongoing
The global superstarâs country-infused stadium tour continues with key dates in the southern US this week, drawing massive crowds and global media attention.
đź Business & Industry
DigiMarCon East & TECHSPO New York â 7â8 July (Brooklyn)
Two flagship conferences for digital marketing, martech, and emerging technologies. Speakers from Google, Meta, and top startups.
American Control Conference â 8â10 July (Denver)
Leading engineers and academics gather to discuss cutting-edge systems theory, robotics, and AI in control engineering.
National Dental Association Convention â 10â13 July (Kansas City)
Major professional conference for Black dental professionals featuring workshops, networking, and public health outreach.
UNITED Education Summit â 11â13 July (Seattle)
National conference for school leaders, focused on equity, innovation, and public education reform.
Lessons in leading through crisis from Jacinda Ardern
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shares insights and lessons in leading through crisis, reflecting on the challenges of leadership at the highest levels.
She shares how her empathetic leadership style, shaped by self-doubt, that drove her with the power of transparent communication and leading with trust, not ego, allowed her to move forward decisively.
Here are the Key Takeaways from her interview on Leadership:
1 – Imposter Syndrome Can Be a Leadership Asset
2 – Trust Is Built Through Honesty, Not Perfection
3 – Empathy and Resilience Arenât Mutually Exclusive
4 – Crisis Is an Opportunity to Advance Policy Goals
5 – Sustainable Leadership Requires Self-Awareness
A bit of travel inspiration from some of our favourite places and best deals.
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